Following the New England Patriots' opening round loss to the Baltimore Ravens, NT Vince Wilfork told ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss that he does not want to be franchise-tagged, and that he could see himself playing for another team next season. On Wednesday morning, Reiss wrote that the way it's shaping up, Wilfork is now "likely to be assigned the franchise tag." Sorry, Vince.But according to the Boston Herald, there won't be any developments on this front for another couple week: sources claim that Bill Belichick has told two players who aren't under contract for 2010 that we won't negotiate with them until February.If Wilfork is not tagged or re-signed, he will likely be one of the top free agents on the market this offseason, especially given the prevalence of the 3-4 defense, and the need for a nose tackle in that scheme. Given that, the Dolphins, Broncos and Bills (who may be switching to a 3-4) might take a look, and it's also possible that the Chiefs -- a.k.a. Pats West -- will be interested.

Wilfork has previously said that he's open to a return to the Sunshine State, per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. "Florida is home to me. Who wouldn't want to play at home?"

Following the New England Patriots' opening round loss to the Baltimore Ravens, NT Vince Wilfork told ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss that he does not want to be franchise-tagged, and that he could see himself playing for another team next season. On Wednesday morning, Reiss wrote that the way it's shaping up, Wilfork is now "likely to be assigned the franchise tag." Sorry, Vince.But according to the Boston Herald, there won't be any developments on this front for another couple week: sources claim that Bill Belichick has told two players who aren't under contract for 2010 that we won't negotiate with them until February.If Wilfork is not tagged or re-signed, he will likely be one of the top free agents on the market this offseason, especially given the prevalence of the 3-4 defense, and the need for a nose tackle in that scheme. Given that, the Dolphins, Broncos and Bills (who may be switching to a 3-4) might take a look, and it's also possible that the Chiefs -- a.k.a. Pats West -- will be interested.

Wilfork has previously said that he's open to a return to the Sunshine State, per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. "Florida is home to me. Who wouldn't want to play at home?"

If I were Belichick I would franchise him, too. I really don't see how he ends up in the AFC East. Belichick will do his best to trade him out of the division and would probably take less for him to do so.

I would pay a large amount of $$ for Wilfork. NT is one of the most important positions on our team (offense or defense) and a dominant NT needs to be one of the highest paid players on our team. I'd do almost anything to get Wilfork. And while I wouldnt say "I dont see them letting Wilfork go" because they are known for letting the money-wanters roam free, I still wouldn't bet on him not being in a Pats uni next seasone either.

Following the New England Patriots' opening round loss to the Baltimore Ravens, NT Vince Wilfork told ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss that he does not want to be franchise-tagged, and that he could see himself playing for another team next season. On Wednesday morning, Reiss wrote that the way it's shaping up, Wilfork is now "likely to be assigned the franchise tag." Sorry, Vince.But according to the Boston Herald, there won't be any developments on this front for another couple week: sources claim that Bill Belichick has told two players who aren't under contract for 2010 that we won't negotiate with them until February.If Wilfork is not tagged or re-signed, he will likely be one of the top free agents on the market this offseason, especially given the prevalence of the 3-4 defense, and the need for a nose tackle in that scheme. Given that, the Dolphins, Broncos and Bills (who may be switching to a 3-4) might take a look, and it's also possible that the Chiefs -- a.k.a. Pats West -- will be interested.

Wilfork has previously said that he's open to a return to the Sunshine State, per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. "Florida is home to me. Who wouldn't want to play at home?"

Link?

Its from the ESPN insiders so i figured the link would be worthless to most unless you are a member

I don't see how the Pats wouldn't franchise him........I also don't see them allowing an AFC East team to get him. He probably is not leaving NE and is just positioning himself to get the biggest contract he can from NE.

I don't see how the Pats wouldn't franchise him........I also don't see them allowing an AFC East team to get him. He probably is not leaving NE and is just positioning himself to get the biggest contract he can from NE.

True that.

Either way he is going to be a rich man, as franchising him is going to cost TONS for NE because of the contract Albert Haynesworth got last off season.

I agree. They let Seymour go expecting this before the season began. Franchised he will be

this might be a reason they let wilfork go. they did invest a second round pick in ron brace last year, a guy a lot of people on this board were high on. if NE gets a team to offer them what OAK offered last year, i think they'd take their chances, especially if the pick is for this years draft.

i think if wilfork looks for a lot of money, say top 5 at the position, NE seeks trade partners (and not in the division). maybe raiders will give up this years first rounder for him, giving NE a top 5 pick and the 22 pick. maybe a team like KC, DEN, or ATL will go after trading for him for the fact of the ties with NE.

i say we go after the player that NE traded away last year. Richard Seymour, to my knowledge, has not signed any extension in OAK and is scheduled to become a free agent (not sure if it would be restricted or not). this is a guy who is probably still sour over being traded from NE to OAK, and would probably salivate over being able to play his former team twice a year. this is also a guy who is very durable, a hybrid type player (DE/DT) that will be able to give our 3-4 defense a lot of different looks. he would add depth and leadership to the defensive line.

i also say that we bring him in because he was one of my favorite players coming into the league, seeing as i am a UGA fan, and its always fun having players from your college team on your favorite pro team.